The HMS Argus was the first aircraft carrier with a flat-top design, constructed during World War 1 from the Italian ocean liner Conte Rosso. It served as an experimental carrier until the end of the war but did not see combat. The Argus continued serving into the 1920s as the Royal Navy gained experience operating carriers. It was recommissioned during World War 2 to ferry aircraft despite its age. The HMS Argus spent its final years as a training ship before being scrapped in 1946, having served in both world wars and helped pioneer the modern aircraft carrier design.

1. HMS Argus
Paige Goheen

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r72u6N4GYbw

3. Early aircraft carrier developed during World War 1 to
provide vital launching platform for torpedo bombers.
Constructed from the Italian-bound oceanliner, “Conte
Rosso”

4. First flat top designed carrier.
Once completed, it became the first flush-deck aircraft carrier
in navel history.
Was sought to be usable in 1917, but did not become
operational until December 2nd of 1917 and was not
commissioned until September 1918. The war ended
weeks later and the HMS Argus did not see action during
the Great War.

5. Question #1
Would be the first aircraft carrier to have a flat-top design.
By 1916, the situation of the world would take a turn for the
worst and Britain would abandon the HMS Argus for on
land attacks.

6. The HMS Argus did provide service for the following decade,
despite budget cuts and military drawdowns.
The HMS Argus became overshadowed by newer, more
powerful carriers in the last half of the decade.
The aircraft carrier spent its last years as a training platform
when decommissioned prior to 1930.

7. In the build up to World War 2, the HMS Argus was
recommissioned back into service on July 30th, 1938.
Even with the flaws, the Army needed every usable carrier.
Once back in action, the carrier played a role in ferrying
fighter aircraft bound for Gibralter, Malta, and
Takoradi(Ghana).
The HMS Argus also served with the Arctic convoys.

9. From the middle of 1943 on, the HMS Argus returned to the
U.K. shores for repair and training.
In December 1944, the HMS Argus was reclassified as an
accommodation vessel.
On December 5th, 1946, the HMS Argus was sold for scrap,
her career spanning from 1914-1944 and covering
portions of both World Wars.

10. Question #2
I grew up really close to a river, so boats were always there.
The ship itself has a design on the side that I think is
interesting.
The parts for the carrier came from two ships, proving that
even broken things can fix all issues.

11. When built, the HMS Argus
displaced at 14,000 tons
under standard load and
15,750 under a full load.
The Argus was 565 feet
from bow-to-stern, 68
feet port-to-starboard,
and 24 feet deep.

12. System began with 12 x Scotch boilers feeding 4 x steam
turbines and developed 20,000 horsepower to 4 x shafts.
Max. speed was 20.5 knots(23 miles) and had a range of
4,100 miles.
The crew included 495 personnel.
The carrier could hold 15 to 18 aircrafts
Local defense included 6x102mm Anti-Aircraft guns.
The HMS Argus carried no armor, making it vulnerable to all
ocean-going threats.

14. Squadrons and aircraft for when Argus was engaged on
operations
November 1939 14
Fairey Swordfish Trainers. June 1940 11
Fairey Swordfish. August 1940 3
Fairey Swordfish. April 1941 12
Fairey Swordfish. May 1941 3
Fairey Fulmar Fighters. August 1941 2

15. Question #3
If I had been alive, I would probably have been against it
since the U.K. was running the show with the HMS Argus.
If it had been here in the U.S., I would have been all for it I
feel like.

16. Captains
Richard Acworth RAF
Gray-Worcester Flying Officer
Anthony Gray-Worcester, RAF no. 33338
Bennett Pilot Officer R. J. Bennett RAF no. 40982
Pilot Officer P. E. C. Strahan, RAF no. 36154
Pilot Officer P. O. V. Green, RAF no. 41015,
Pilot Officer J Hamlyn, RAF no. 40109,

17. Battle Honours
Atlantic 1941 - 2
Arctic 1941
Malta Convoys 1942
North Africa

18. These people are trying to get information on a list of those
serving on the HMS Argus.
http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/great_britain/pages/aircraft_ca
rriers/hms_argus_d49_message_board.htm

20. Question #4
Unfortunately, the HMS Argus was sold and scrapped in
1946 so it hasn’t made a big impact of today.
It was however the first to have a flat-top design that is still
used today.

21. This link goes to the exhibit information at the Imperial War
Museums.
http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30018194

25. Question #5
I learned where the flat design comes from.
I learned that there are people still looking for answers about
their father on the aircraft carrier.
I learned that there are alot of honors that I didn’t know
about.

26. Writer, Staff. "HMS Argus (I49) - History, Specs and Pictures - Navy Warships and
Submarines." HMS Argus (I49) - Conventionally-Powered Aircraft Carrier /
Barracks Ship - History, Specs and Pictures - Navy Warships and Submarines.
Military Factory, 13 Sept. 2016. Web. 10 Dec. 2016.
Rucker, D. "INDEX OF NAVAL ." HMS Argus Aircraft Carrier Profile. Aircraft
Carrier Database of the Fleet Air Arm Archive 1939-1945. Fleet Air Arm Archive,
2001. Web. 15 Dec. 2016